From a window

By Rhiannonw

Wed, 18 Apr 2012
  • 2847 reads
10 comments
 

Harsh sound,
screeching kerfuffle
over school field:
gulls, crows mobbing.
What’s on the ground,
concealed?
Buzzard with prey –
daring crows dash
in, (why so rash?),
brave the hazard
of the buzzard –
(beak and claws
could silence caws)
to snatch a bit,
or peck its wing;
– will they scare it?
majestic lift,
it flies away
gripping what remains of prey.
All disperse,
mob adrift,
no more riot.
All is quiet.

Certificate U
Nature
Nature

Comments

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
You described that split second when a bird of prey strikes, so very well here, Rhiannon. I could just see it. We also have Red Kites here, and Sparrow Hawks, which I am sure you do as well, and it is awe-inspiring. A sparrow hawk brought its prey (a red legged partrdige) right to my patio door recently, having flown into the window. I scared it off and then it took its prey to the back of the garage and all that was left was a pile of feathers. The law of nature is a harsh one indeed. Very much enjoyed your poem. You have a wonderful eye for nature;-) Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
The Kites are in the country nearby, but haven't come in to the town (we are on the edge) yet, I think, and of course, so many over in Wales. I watched an incident like you described at my grandchildren's house once, and had to clear up their garden for them! The interesting thing here was that it was my husband that heard and went to view the incident, and I had to quiz him for the details, which we both found so fascinating. He hadn't seen the beginning, and wondered what was causing the mobbing at first and then could see the shape on the ground, and soon the buzzard fly off! Thanks for your comment and read again, regards, Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Richard L. Prov... on
A very energetic poem, R. I am glad not to be in the middle of all those quibbling beaks. Cheers, Richard LP
Richard L. Provencher

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
Yes, me too! Thank for comment and read, Richard. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
Love the sounds you've used in this one, Rhiannonw! It flows really well and you've used some great images :-) Magic x

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
Thanks very much MM, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by scratch on
I love bird poems (as I'm sure that you have seen Rhiannonw!) I thought this was excellent.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
Thank you, scratch, and hope all is well with you all. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Rhiannon

I enjoyed reading this - with the very short choppy lines, making it seem more frantic.

I've never seen a bird of prey fighting over the kill - but have seen the odd small garden bird attacked by a cat, which is hard enough to deal with.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jean. It's nice when the fighting stops! Rhiannon